MalwarePublished 13 Jun 2026Updated 15 Jul 2026

vite-config-optimizer (npm) · Malicious Code

Affects vite-config-optimizerSource GCVE Database

Malicious package : remove vite-config-optimizer and rotate any secrets on hosts that installed it.

Data as of 15 Jul 2026, 12:53 UTC

Classification

Malicious package

Published to npm · OSV MAL-2026-5727

What to do

Remove vite-config-optimizer from every project, lockfile and image that pulls it in. Treat any host that installed it as compromised: rotate the credentials, tokens and keys it could read, from a clean machine.

Affected software

Product	Affected	Fixed in
npmvite-config-optimizer	Affected =1.1.4	Fixed in–

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Description

The npm package vite-config-optimizer version 1.1.4 contains malicious code that executes arbitrary attacker-controlled JavaScript during installation. It uses a postinstall hook to run a loader script that fetches and executes code from a concealed remote URL, effectively giving an attacker full control over the installing system. The package masquerades as a Vite configuration plugin but actually exports a Webpack-related class and performs no legitimate install-time actions other than the malicious dropper. Systems with this package installed should be considered fully compromised.

Impact

Any system that installs vite-config-optimizer version 1.1.4 is at risk of full compromise due to arbitrary code execution during package installation. Attackers can execute any code with the privileges of the installing user, potentially leading to theft of secrets, credential compromise, persistence of malicious software, and complete system takeover. Removal of the package alone does not guarantee eradication of the attacker’s presence or backdoors.

Defensive guidance

Users should immediately remove this package from their environments. Because the package executes arbitrary code during installation, any system that installed it should be considered fully compromised. All secrets and keys on the affected system should be rotated from a separate, trusted machine. Monitor for any suspicious activity and consider rebuilding compromised systems to ensure complete remediation.

Summary

The vite-config-optimizer npm package version 1.1.4 includes a postinstall hook that runs a loader script executing a detached child Node process. This process hex-decodes a hidden URL pointing to an anonymous JSON paste service, retrieves JavaScript code from that URL, writes it to a temporary file, and requires it, thereby executing arbitrary attacker-controlled code with the installer's privileges. The package's metadata is deceptive, claiming to be a Vite plugin while actually exporting a WebpackCachePlugin class. Installing this package results in remote code execution on the host system.

References

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What to do

Affected software

Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 15 Jul 2026, 12:53 UTC

Technical details

References

Community reviews